The Tswa language

The Tswa language, also known as Xitswa, is a South-Eastern Bantu language spoken primarily in Southern Mozambique, with a few speakers in southern Zimbabwe. Tswa is part of the Tswa–Ronga language family, which also includes closely related languages like Ronga and Tsonga. These languages share common linguistic roots and features, making them mutually intelligible to some extent, though Tswa remains distinct in its own right.

Tswa is predominantly spoken in rural areas to the west of Inhambane, a region in Mozambique. The language has several dialects, including Hlengwe, Dzibi (Dzivi), and Dzonga. Hlengwe, which is the largest dialect, extends its reach into southern Zimbabwe, and some linguists, such as Maho (2009), have suggested that Hlengwe might be considered a separate language due to its unique characteristics.

Although the Tswa-speaking population is estimated to be over a million, not all of them are fluent in the language, as many also speak other local languages such as Tsonga, Portuguese, or other regional dialects. This has led to some debate, with some Mozambicans and census officials regarding Tswa as merely a dialect of Tsonga, despite its distinct phonetic and grammatical features.

The Tswa language is written using a variant of the Latin alphabet, which was initially introduced by Portuguese colonists and later adapted by Methodist missionaries in the region. One of the key figures in the development of the Tswa alphabet was the Swedish linguist J.A. Persson, who worked to standardize the script for the language. His work helped to preserve Tswa as a written language, providing a foundation for literacy and educational resources.

Overall, while Tswa remains a vital language for its speakers, it faces challenges due to the dominance of other languages in the region, especially in urban areas. Efforts to document and promote Tswa are crucial for preserving its unique cultural and linguistic heritage.